MAHONING COUNTY Educational Service Center

Four candidates are running for three seats on the governing Board of the Mahoning County Educational Service Center, which was formerly called the Mahoning County Board of Education. An (*) denotes incumbent.
KATHI MCNABB WELSH*
Age: 46.Home: 522 Deer Run Drive, Boardman.Education: Juris doctor from University of Akron and bachelor's in communication from Bowling Green State University.Employment: Assistant city prosecutor, Akron and Mahoning County; chief deputy clerk of court, Mahoning County.Family: Husband, Atty. Timothy; one son.Priority: Provide leadership through service to maximize the development of each student's educational needs and potential; provide quality education while easing financial hardships on property owners; continue dialog between local educators and legislators to reach a solution; reach out to local districts and assist them in meeting unfunded mandates, especially those required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
JOYCE E. BROOKS*
Age: 66.Home: 6104 Gibson Road, Canfield.Education: Master's and bachelor's degrees from Youngstown State University, 1957 graduate of Canfield High School, postmaster's work and education certification.Employment: Retired educator, currently serving as coordinator of Mahoning Valley Vision for Education, elementary teacher, Greenford; reading specialist, English instructor, language arts, Canfield; instruction supervisor and director of personnel, Mahoning County Office of Education; director of personnel, Youngstown City School District; assistant to interim dean and assistant to the dean, Beeghly College of Education at Youngstown State University; coordinator, Mahoning Area Consortium Tech Prep (YSU, Mahoning County Local Schools, Campbell, Struthers, and Youngstown City Schools partnership).Family: Husband, Loran; a son, two daughters.Priority: To support the unique curriculum, technology and leadership needs in each Mahoning County District with open communication at local, regional, state and federal levels and focus on funding crisis in Ohio; support the implementation of the MCESC strategic plan to provide "leadership through service."
J. PAUL GOOD*
Age: 75.Home: 10159 Sharrott Road, North Lima.Education: Bachelor's degree from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. and graduate of Poland Seminary High School.Employment: President and agent for Springfield Township Mutual Insurance Association and agency; USDA Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, County Executive for Mahoning and Columbiana counties.Family: Wife, Patricia, deceased; a daughter and a son.Priority: Secure adequate or improving school financing, working with legislators both locally and statewide.
RICHARD S. SCARSELLA
Age: 51.Home: 680 Presidential Drive, Boardman.Education: Two master's degrees from Youngstown State University and bachelor's from Boston College; 1972 graduate of Ursuline High School.Employment: Education administrator; special education teacher, Youngstown; Edie's Associates; Scarsella Furniture.Family: Wife, Debra; one daughter.Priority: Assist districts to return to or achieve Excellent State Report Card rating.